Maeve Wallace

Irish Students' Views on School Substance Abuse Prevention Programme Maeve Wallace

Substance addiction continues to be a widespread and pervasive aspect of modern Irish society. The primary prevention effort directed at adolescents consists of the secondary school substance abuse prevention programme which has not been evaluated since its introduction in 1994. This study aimed to investigate students? views on the programme. The study adopted a mixed methods approach: a survey was administered to 102 5th-year students from three secondary schools, with supporting evidence from semi-structured interviews with clients attending a substance abuse rehabilitation project. The survey findings indicated mixed views on the programme. The majority of students agreed that it is a useful source of information, although the sample was divided as to whether the programme would influence their decisions regarding substance use. Many students indicated that the programme could be improved by the inclusion of more factual information, relevant content and guest speakers with experience of substance abuse. It is suggested that an overhaul of the existing programme be undertaken so as to bring Irish primary prevention efforts in line with best international practice.